This is the moment a British Airways flight painted in historic colours touches down at Manchester Airport.

The Airbus A319 has been repainted in the colours of British European Airways (BEA) - and took to the skies with passengers for the first time today.

It has been sprayed in the colours to mark the centenary of British Airways.

British European Airways operated between 1946 and 1974 - and was formed out of a government review. BEA flew a domestic network to various points in the United Kingdom, including Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester, and British Overseas Airways Corporation flew routes around the world.

It was a forerunner to the British Airways of today, which was formed when BEA and BOAC merged to create BA.

It is the second jet to enter service in historic livery. The first was a Boeing 747, which was painted in the BOAC colours, and is now flying passengers across the world. The BOAC livery will remain on the Boeing 747 until it retires in 2023

The Airbus A319 - registration G-EUPJ - flew from Heathrow to Manchester on Monday afternoon, after returning from Shannon Airport in Ireland, where it was resprayed.

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It will now fly routes across the UK and Europe in the colours. British Airways say the design will remain on the aircraft until it is retired next year.

British Airways staff members (left to right) Laura Molloy, Captain Julian Hall, First Officer Holly Sims and Katherine Williams in front of the Airbus A319 at Heathrow Airport (Image: PA)

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: "It was another really special day as we welcomed our BEA liveried A319 in to Heathrow this morning, which forms part of our centenary heritage fleet. Yet again there were huge crowds lining the perimeter fence to see the aircraft coming in, which shows just how excited people are about these designs. We’ve been overwhelmed with positive feedback from customers and colleagues."

A second Boeing 747 in historic livery will enter service with British Airways soon, flying the Landor livery - one of British Airways most iconic designs.

Mr Cruz said: "The passion and pride we’ve seen for our heritage liveries so far, from both customers and colleagues, has been both phenomenal and humbling. We’re really thrilled to announce Landor as the latest iconic scheme to join the fleet as part of our centenary celebrations and we’re sure this excitement will be reflected around the world."